Opening Week Turbulence
The 2026 high school football season in southeastern North Carolina got off to a rocky start on Monday night, as severe weather rolled across the region. Thunderstorms brought heavy rain and lightning that forced officials to halt play on several fields, turning what should have been opening night celebrations into a scramble for safety.
Laney High School’s season opener against D.H. Conley was postponed for the second time, first to Tuesday and now possibly later in the week, after wet conditions and repeated lightning warnings made the original venue unusable. The delay has left coaches and players waiting for a clear window to resume preparations.
New Hanover’s Wildcats opened their campaign with a 48‑9 loss to New Bern. The Bears dominated early, building a sizable lead that the Wildcats could not overcome, leaving the team with a steep climb to recover in the early part of the season.
Ashley High School’s Screaming Eagles managed a narrow 16‑12 victory over Sanderson in Raleigh, a win that proved especially meaningful because it marked the first game under head coach Adam Purzitza. The close score reflected a competitive effort despite the challenging weather conditions that persisted throughout the match.
South Columbus Stallions also felt the sting of a tight contest, dropping a 23‑18 decision to Swansboro Pirates. The game remained undecided until the final minutes, when Carmelo Beasley’s late touchdown gave the visitors a dramatic finish that left Stallions fans disappointed but hopeful for future matchups.
Organizers are still evaluating whether the postponed D.H. Conley‑Laney matchup will be rescheduled for Tuesday, pending further weather forecasts and administrative clearance. In the meantime, teams across the region are using the extra time to fine‑tune strategies and recover from the early-season disruptions.